The Gabonese government has taken a significant step towards enhancing the country's infrastructure with the identification of sites for future toll and weigh stations on the Port-Gentil-Omboué axis. This development follows a visit by Minister of Public Works and Construction, Edgard Moukoumbi, who toured the area to pinpoint locations for these critical infrastructure projects. According to the Gabon Press Agency, the sites were chosen based on decisions made during a Council of Ministers meeting on September 18, 2026.

A total of three sites have been earmarked for the toll and weigh stations, with two considered priority locations on the Port-Gentil-Soleka-Omboué axis and a third on the Rabi-Omboué axis. These locations will undergo further studies before the final validation of the sites and the structures to be built. Minister Moukoumbi emphasized that the next steps involve in-depth studies by the partner, which will include projected works, adjustments, and the economic model for the realization and operation of the stations.

The construction of these infrastructure projects is expected to be completed by 2028, coinciding with the 5th edition of the Coup de la Libération, scheduled for August of that year in Port-Gentil. This deadline necessitates the acceleration of preparatory work. The government has engaged Digital Africa, a technical partner, to conduct geotechnical studies, propose technical variants, and provide assistance and oversight of the works from conception to the operational phase.

Digital Africa's role will also extend to the modalities of operation and the determination of tariffs. According to Dr. Marcher Lassouled, the company's approach is based on three pillars: understanding the state's strategic vision, translating it technically, and ensuring sovereignty and the transfer of know-how to Gabonese nationals. This comprehensive approach aims to guarantee the sustainable exploitation of these infrastructures.

As part of its engagement, Digital Africa plans to implement a training program for Gabonese teams and provide support for the maintenance of installations. This initiative is designed to foster durable exploitation of the toll and weigh stations. The visit by Minister Moukoumbi and the engagement with Digital Africa underscore the government's commitment to monitoring ongoing projects and accelerating the realization of development plans.

The development of these toll and weigh stations is part of a broader strategy to enhance the infrastructure capacity of the Ogooué-Maritime province. By investing in such critical infrastructure, the Gabonese government aims to bolster the region's connectivity and economic potential. The progress of these projects will be closely watched as they contribute to the country's growth and development agenda.

The successful implementation of these projects will not only improve the transportation network but also have a positive impact on the local economy. With the construction of the toll and weigh stations, the government is taking concrete steps towards achieving its infrastructure goals, ultimately improving the quality of life for residents and facilitating economic growth in the region.

Key points

  • The construction of toll and weigh stations on the Port-Gentil-Omboué axis is expected to be completed by 2028.
  • Digital Africa will play a crucial role in the realization of the projects, including geotechnical studies and the transfer of know-how to Gabonese nationals.
  • The projects are part of the government's efforts to enhance infrastructure capacity and connectivity in the Ogooué-Maritime province.

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SaharaWire Newsroom
SaharaWire

Reporting for SaharaWire from the Nairobi bureau.